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  • Published: 15 January 2015
  • ISBN: 9781101911648
  • Imprint: Knopf US
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $34.00

Big Eyes

The Screenplay



Big Eyes chronicles the life of American artist Margaret Keane and her husband Walter who rose to fame in the 1950's because of Margaret's wildly popular and iconic paintings of children. At once a view into the 1950's and 60's art scene and the close study of a marriage, the story follows the dissolution of Margaret and Walter's relationship when Walter passes himself off publicly and illegitimately as the creator of her art. The film's action culminates in a dramatic courtroom scene where husband and wife, in front of two blank canvases, each have to paint to prove the legitimacy of their claims.

This book includes the complete screenplay, an afterword by acclaimed screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, Man on the Moon, The People vs. Larry Flynt), and an interview with the film's real life subject, Margaret Keane. Illustrated with photos throughout.

WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH MARGARET KEANE

The full screenplay by award-winning Ed Wood writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski for acclaimed director Tim Burton's film Big Eyes, starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz.

A rare close-up look into a corner of the 1950s and '60s art world and a perfectly observed account of a dysfunctional marriage, Big Eyes tells the true story of Margaret Keane, an artist who lived and worked in virtual slavery while her husband, Walter, gained fame and fortune passing himself off as the creator of his wife's wildly popular paintings. The story of their toxic relationship would culminate in a Hawaiian courtroom, as Margaret ultimately fights to save her name and reclaim her art, during a heated public court battle. 

This edition, illustrated with photos throughout, contains the complete screenplay, an afterword by the screenwriters, and an interview with Margaret Keane, the real-life subject of Big Eyes, by Tyler Stallings.

  • Published: 15 January 2015
  • ISBN: 9781101911648
  • Imprint: Knopf US
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $34.00

About the author

Scott Alexander

Scott Alexander is the series producer of Seven Worlds, One Planet. He has spent over 20 years with BBC Studios' Natural History Unit, filming on all seven continents. He has produced live TV from the middle of the Masai Mara for Big Cat Live, series produced the award-winning children’s wildlife series Deadly60 and worked with Sir David Attenborough on the BAFTA winning landmark series, Life in Cold Blood.

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